Dafydd ap Llywelyn

Dafydd ap Llywelyn (1208-25 February 1246) was Prince of Gwynedd from 1240 to 1246, succeeding Llywelyn the Great and preceding Llywelyn the Last. He also claimed the title of "Prince of Wales" from 1240 to 1246, preceding Llywelyn.

Biography
Dafydd ap Llywelyn was born in Bagillt, Wales in 1208, the son of Llywelyn the Great and Joan, Lady of Wales (daughter of King John of England). Dafydd's claim to the throne was contested by his older half-brother Gruffydd ap Llywelyn Fawr, but he was recognized as Llywelyn's heir by both his father and King Henry III of England. He was not allowed to retain his father's conquests outside Gwynedd, however, and King Henry invaded Gwynedd in 1241 after Dafydd sent envoys to seek an alliance with France. Dafydd was forced to submit, and he was also forced to hand over his half-brother to King Henry, who planned to use his status as a rival of Dafydd to weaken the king. However, Gruffydd died during a failed escape attempt from the Tower of London, freeing Dafydd's hands. In 1245, Dafydd invaded England and recovered his possessions in Flintshire, fighting Henry until he agreed to a truce. Dafydd died at Abergwyngregyn in 1246, and he was succeeded by his nephew Llywelyn the Last.